8 Alternatives to LinkedIn for All Your Professional Networking Needs

Whether it’s to keep in contact with friends or family to advance your career, you are likely on at least one social network. While Facebook, Twitter,and Google are extremely popular, these platforms might not be able help you professionally. That’s when professional social networking sites come into play. And, there’s one name that instantly jumps out when you mention “professional social networking” – LinkedIn.

Even with these problems, most of us join potentially rewarding sites like LinkedIn. But, if you’re not a fan of the most popular professional networking site, then we suggest that you try out one the following eight alternatives.

8. Twylah

Twylah is a solid option if you’re looking to increase your presence on Twitter through brand pages. This allows you to determine your true brand identity and how your brand pages are doing with your audience. Another useful feature is the allowance of page optimization, which can to visibility to generate traffic from search engines.

7. Opprtunity

Opprtunity uses a scientific approach approach to find the right sales leads, job opportunities, job candidates via an algorithm that uses data points, such as location, industry types, skill sets and other signals from around the Internet. And, you can sign in with your LinkedIn account.

6. PartnerUp

The most appealing feature with PartnerUp is how the site focuses on the needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs. There’s also a lot of beneficial articles written by small business owners that could come in handy. The company has now moved to the Google + Communities, but the advice and connections are still there.

5. VisualCV

VisualCV allows you to create a unique digital resume that can be shared to other colleagues or prospective employers. Not all that different than LinedIn, but VisualCV does look more engaging.

4. Meetup

Meetup is an online social networking portal that facilitates offline group meetings with like-minded people, both professionally and personally, in your area. Known for posting a ton of events, MeetUp is a great tool to network in the really real world.

3. Zerply

Not only can you post a resume on Zerply, you can actual showcase your work through videos, portfolios or even story boards. The perfect location for creative and talented job seekers and employers.

2. AngelList

Known primarily as platform for startups, AngelList can connect you with thousands of startups seeking your skills and talent. As a whole, the site is extremely efficient, easy to use and secure.

1. BranchOut

If you have Facebook, then you might have spotted BranchOut before, it’s only the most popular app for professional networking on Facebook platform. While it resembles LinkedIn, recruiting and job hunting is achieved through Facebook connections, which means no awkward introductions and the ability to tap into any company.

While LinkedIn has proven to be a great resource for finding employment or employees – which is why it’s such an extremely popular site – there are other sites that offer similar, if not better, services. If you’ve used one of these site that were mentioned, or know of one that we’ve neglected, let us know in the comments!